Ares Games has shared initial details and sample images for its upcoming licensed miniature board game Battlestar Galactica – Starship Battles, which is set to launch in December.

Ares announced the license for Battlestar Galactica in April (see “'Battlestar Galactica' Space Battles Return to Earth”). It includes both the “Classical” and “Reimagined” settings. The game is designed by Andrea Angiolino and Andrea Mainini (Wings of Glory, Sails of Glory), and will use a unique game system inspired by Wings of Glory and Sails of Glory mechanics, but with new cinematic features patterned on the shows’ space combat.

The first product will be the Starter Set, which is a complete game playable on its own. It is designed as an entry point to a planned range of Battlestar Galactica – Starship Battles products which will follow in 2019. The Starter Set includes four pre-painted, preassembled miniatures with special bases to support the unique game mechanics: two Colonial Mk. II Vipers (including Apollo’s Viper and pilot cards) and two Cylon Raiders. It will also include everything needed to play different scenarios from dogfights to dangerous missions, with each player controlling one or two spaceships. Quick-start rules are included, which teach players how to use maneuver cards and use their different “movement arrows” to plan speed and difficulty (G-value). MSRP is tentatively set at $49.90. Additional Viper Mk. II and Cylon Raider Spaceship Packs will be availible to expand starter forces. MSRP was not announced.

Other Spaceship Packs planned for 2019 include Raptors, Heavy Raiders, and Viper Mk. VIIs; in both "standard" version and special variants with unique markings signifying iconic pilots like Scar, Starbuck, and Boomer, which include special pilot and skill cards.

Areas plans to expand the game to eventually include atmospheric combat rules, capital ships, and missiles.